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Cable machines are efficient and versatile for a full-body workout. They are designed with a cable that lifts weight through a system of pulleys. They can provide constant tension through a full range of motion for a variety of exercises. Picking the best cable machine for your home gym can depend on the space you have available, cost and any special features you want. Some machines can be pretty large, but if you have a spot to set it up, a cable machine is an easy way to get a complete workout with one device. Copper and aluminum extrusion machine
There is a huge range of cable machines to choose from for your home gym. From massive power racks with large amounts of weight to portable treadmills that you can store away when you're not using them. There are also smart machines that can store profiles for multiple users or walk you through a workout with a virtual trainer or even live classes. The best cable machines are an investment, so it’s important to choose one that will accommodate your needs and will grow with your fitness level.
Caution is always important with strength training, but if you exercise at home without a training partner or spotter, cable machines can provide a safer option than free weights. They’re also easy to adjust the weight between exercises, saving you time during your workout. Cable machines allow you to master the proper form of different exercises without having to balance dumbbells or barbells, making cable machines good for beginner exercisers.
To choose the best cable machines for this list, we first considered the types of available cable machines, needs such as portability or variety of exercises and cost. We researched a number of cable machines from top-rated and trusted brands. We looked for cable machines made of quality materials that were versatile enough for a full workout and would suit a wide range of fitness levels. We considered customer reviews for each machine as well as any special features, like apps or accessories, that would contribute to a positive user experience.
Turn your home gym into a veritable fitness center — without the long lines — with REP Fitness’s FT-5000 2.0 Cable Crossover machine. It's a versatile weight station with 21 different cable positions for plenty of exercise variety. It’s constructed with two weight stacks designed with a 2:1 ratio, so lifting 100 pounds feels like 50 pounds. This hefty machine is over 1000 pounds and takes up some space, so you’ll need to consider that when purchasing.
The machine is designed with multiple pull-up grips and laser-etched column markings on the inside of the uprights to make it easy to line up the handles. The pulleys are aluminum instead of plastic for durability and smooth motion. The machine comes with two D handles, storage pegs to hold attachments, four 2.75-pound weights for smaller increment jumps and a mountable exercise chart. The weight selector pin is magnetically tipped for secure, one-handed weight changes.
If you like high-tech workouts and don’t have a lot of floor space, the wall-mounted Tonal is a perfect choice. It can support an unlimited number of user profiles and more than 245 different exercises, so it’s super versatile. Once you create your profile and set your goals, Tonal will keep track of your workouts and automatically adjust your resistance level to keep you on track and making progress. There are several different modes you can work in, including live classes and partner workouts if you like to exercise together.
Tonal installs the machine for you, and it only requires about seven feet of wall space. You’ll need to make sure there is enough space in front of it to complete your workouts safely. There's a built-in touchscreen where you can access the Tonal workouts through a required $49 monthly subscription. The maximum available weight on this machine is only 200 pounds, which may not be enough for some users, and it can get expensive since accessories cost extra along with the monthly subscription.
If you don’t have a huge budget to set up your home gym, this Lat Pulldown cable machine is a good bet at a reasonable price point. While it’s not as versatile as some other cable machines, it has a few features worth noting. It has a seat that adjusts to four different heights and can accommodate up to 500 pounds, so it’s good for a wide range of users. The foam roller knee pad also adjusts to four different heights. It also has high and low pulley stations for exercises like lat pulldowns, bicep curls and many others.
The frame is made of powder-coated steel for durability. Assembly is required, but the hardware and instructions you need are included. While this cable machine has a low price point, it doesn’t come with weight plates, so you’ll need to buy them separately. However, you can buy just what you need to start and add on later, spreading the cost out. The machine has a great range of motion, and the cables are sturdy and smooth. Some users report that the cable comes off the pulleys when there’s no weight on it.
If you’re looking for a way to maintain your workout routine when you travel or just don’t have a lot of space at home, this compact, lightweight cable machine will do the trick. MAXPRO Fitness’s SmartConnect machine only weighs nine pounds and folds up to a small size. The resistance can be adjusted from five pounds up to 300 pounds to accommodate a range of exercises. The weight is easy to adjust with a simple dial. The machine comes with a long bar, two workout handles, two wrist wraps, and two door mount brackets.
A Bluetooth-connected app allows you to track your workouts and monitor your progress. You can access trainer-led workouts and classes for everything from strength to plyometrics to stretching. There is a premium subscription available, but it’s not necessary to access plenty of great workouts. There are also several additional accessories available for purchase. This cable machine is a good option for those who want to stay on track when they travel.
NordicTrack’s Fusion CST Studio cable machine can provide strength training and cardio exercise all in one, making this machine all you need in your home gym. The sleek design includes a full mirror that can be used to check and correct your form. You can save up to five user profiles so everyone in the family can use it. And the magnetic resistance makes the machine smooth and very quiet, so it won’t disturb others. It has a total of 20 resistance levels that go up to 100 pounds.
Included with this machine is a touchscreen tablet that you can use to follow along with a variety of trainer-led workout options. A monthly subscription gives you a wide array of fitness programming, but it isn’t necessary to use the cable machine. It’s easy to get a great workout by just following along because the app will adjust the resistance for you automatically — no need to make any weight changes. Accessories Included in your purchase are the tablet, an adjustable height tablet stand, six removable handles, and two ankle straps.
When choosing the best cable machine for your home gym, there are several factors to consider. Think about the overall size of the machine and the size of the space you have available. You should also think about how many exercises the machine will accommodate and the maximum amount of resistance it offers.
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top cable machines on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best machines for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
The number of reps you do on a cable machine is going to depend on your current fitness level, personal goals and the specific exercise. Generally, between five and 15 repetitions per set is fine. The main thing to think about is if the resistance is enough to challenge your muscles to momentary failure and to make sure you have enough recovery time between sets.
Cable machines are great for building strength since they provide consistent resistance throughout the range of motion. Cable machines are often considered a safer option since they control the range of motion and don’t directly load your joints like free weights. That being said, cable machines and free weights are both very effective modes of exercise, and both can be used in your workout program.
Cable machines are a versatile and efficient form of strength exercise. If your home gym has the space and you have the budget, a cable machine is worth it to elevate your fitness routine.
Scrape Aluminum Casting Machine Schoenfeld, B. J., Grgic, J., Van Every, D. W., & Plotkin, D. L. (2021). Loading Recommendations for Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Local Endurance: A Re-Examination of the Repetition Continuum. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 9(2), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports9020032 Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927075/